Product category:
Printing Presses and Machinery (New and Used, Service and Repair)
News Release from: KBA | Subject: Easytronic
Edited by the Printingtalk Editorial
Team on 10 February 2005
Web Press Operating System Enhances
Output
At Drupa 2004, German press manufacturer KBA introduced it Easytronic operating system configured for its own commercial web offset presses.
At Drupa 2004, German press manufacturer KBA introduced it Easytronic operating system configured for its own commercial web offset presses Featuring for the first time in KBA's new 16-page press, the Compacta 217, Easytronic is claimed to help ease the press crew's workload and reduce the volume of waste generated whilst enhancing net output throughout the production chain
This article was originally published on Printingtalk on 9 Feb 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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In KBA's opinion, Easytronic's predecessor, Logotronic Professional, became an established tool for networking print production and creating an integrated workflow.
It supports the transfer of basic pre-setting data from pre-press to press via CIP Link or JDF Link.
Embedding upstream production planning and control systems and the IT department in the workflow allows all essential information to be accessed easily from any location within the production chain.
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The Presswatch software furnishes the job scheduler with an overview of all the jobs currently being processed, while Speedwatch provides universal access to individual, press-related events and logs claimed KBA.
Easytronic is founded on an operating philosophy and incorporates some additional features.
The system comprises Logotronic modules, an assortment of optional automation modules for both the press and its auxiliaries, plus new hardware and software.
Easytronic provides decision-making aids which make it easier for personnel to operate the press without sacrificing control - the operator remains the final arbiter, said KBA.
The company believes that is because standardisation has not yet eliminated the diversity that is at the heart of all print production.
For example, customer specifications regarding colour intensity must still be factored in individually during each job change, so it follows that the final decision must still rest with the press operator.
It is he who decides whether the job in hand should be run automatically or whether his experience and the specifics of the job concerned tell him that only some of the proposals listed in the system should be adopted because certain adjustments need to be made.
The master level includes a variety of components for optimising the print production process, enhancing overall reliability and trimming waste.
The web can be threaded in automatically to the superstructure or, in future, to the folders, via an optional webbing-up chain.
During an automatic change of web width the new, narrower or wider web is automatically spliced to the expiring web during press run-down and threaded in ready for the next job while the press slows to a halt said KBA.
However, that is only possible if the press is configured with a KBA reelstand.
The Webtronic self-regulating web-tension system assists the press crew during start-up by bringing the web up to the correct tension in a minimum of time.
That reduces waste and eliminates the risk of time-consuming web breaks.
Over and above that, the system relieves the operator of the need to check web tension during the print run, more specifically when the splice runs through.
The result is a smoother web run and much greater stability at all phases of production claimed the press manufacturer.
Just about all the sub-assemblies, including the superstructure and folder, can be preset automatically for the next production run.
At present, once the relevant imposition chart has been selected at the console, it is possible to position the slitter, turner bars, cut-off register and former automatically via Logotronic, it is said.
In future, as is already the case with KBA's sheetfed offset presses, the JDF data generated during job preparation and pre-press will be transferred directly to the press by KBA Logotronic, which will preset the Compacta ready for the next job according to these data, added the company.
It is claimed that two new functions, Easygo and Easystop, allow the operator to set up, start and stop a print run at the touch of a button.
Automatic start-up includes pre-inking or deliberately overinking the inking rollers in accordance with preset data downloaded from pre-press using CIP3 or CIP4.
KBA commented that a number of different inking programs are currently being developed that will guarantee an optimum print quality right from job start-up, even when the ink profile is changed or different materials are used.
Claimed low make-ready speeds of around 10,000rph to 12,000 cylinder rph with the Easygo function, in tandem with optimised run-up curves for press start-up, substantially reduce start-up waste.
The Easystop button initiates a controlled run-down from the maximum production speed to the optimum speed of approximately 20,000 cylinder rph for a run-out washing cycle.
KBA said that it means that saleable copies can still be printed even during the run-out phase.
Depending on the next job the operator can also use the automatic stop function to activate automatic blanket washing (for a pre-specified duration) or the cleaning cycle for the inking units.
The company added that Easytronic interacts with a variety of individual components to create the ideal conditions for an optimum printing sequence in different production scenarios.
Reducing waste and boosting net production output are the twin premises for enhancing cost-efficiency, so KBA is aiming to enhance the Easytronic operating system still further in order to optimise cost efficiency throughout the entire production flow by providing a control tool designed to meet current and future needs.
KBA's research and development department is also working on a string of further innovations for reducing control and maintenance tasks commented the company. Request a free brochure from KBA ...
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